United Arab Emirates - Ethics, Equity & Social Justice - Curtin ...

guests into an adjoining room. Although the meal may be served at a table, it is more
likely to be served on the floor where guests are expected to sit in either a crosslegged
or semi kneeling position. The host will say bismillah (in the name of God) and
begin to eat the rice. This is the signal to commence eating. Meat can be pulled from
the platter in front of you, but should not be taken from in front of someone else as this
is considered very rude.
When a group has finished eating, risen and said alhamdulillah (praise be to God),
they will retire to the majlis.
Coffee and tea will be served again and then incense will be brought round for guests
to waft towards themselves with the right hand. Sometimes a bottle of perfume will be
circulated for guests to rub into their hands in place of using incense. The passing of
incense signifies the end of the meal, at which time guests should leave.
Drinking
Men and women will usually socialise separately. The men will receive their guests in
a room called a majlis. When entering the majlis, you should greet the group as you
approach and they will respond to you with a standard greeting and rise to their feet.
It is important to move towards the host and shake hands, proceeding to your left
shaking hands with each man in turn. All men in the majlis are treated as
equals.
The ritual of taking coffee is central to social occasions in the United Arab Emirates.
Coffee is served at the start and end of business meetings and social events.
Guests are served coffee by an attendant when they arrive. The attendant will work
around the room from the right. You should take the egg-cup sized vessel in your
right hand when it is offered by the attendant. There is no need to thank the person
serving. As the coffee is usually quite hot it can be swirled around and sipped at.
When the coffee is finished wait for the server to return and repeat the process a
further two times before shaking the cup to indicate that you have finished. It should
be held by the fingertips and not be put down on the ground or a table. Tea and soft
drinks will follow the serving of coffee.
The serving of coffee is followed by the serving of sugared, black tea in small glasses.
Tea glasses may be placed on the floor when finished with.
Behaviour in Public
Do not eat while walking, especially in public areas. Do not blow your nose or clear
your throat in public.
Foreign visitors should avoid eating, drinking and even chewing gum or sweets in front
of people fasting during Ramadan.
Gift Giving
The giving of small gifts will usually be appreciated, but it is not obligatory. This is
something that can be left until you are well acquainted. If you choose to give a gift,
consideration should be given to appropriateness as some items are forbidden
to Muslims (such as alcohol).
Dress
It is still very common for the Emirati to wear traditional dress. Codes of dress are
determined by Islamic Law which requires modesty for both men and women.
Long skirts and sleeves are commonly worn by women. In the more conservative
Emirates, the ab’a (black robe that covers a dress) and a shailah (scarf for the head)
are worn. In Abu Dhabi women will commonly wear the burqa to cover their faces.
Traditional clothing for men includes the white robe known as a dishdasha and a white